Paneer Butter Masala Recipe – How to Make The Best Restaurant-Style Gravy

Paneer butter masala is hands down one of the most popular Indian recipes that’s a favorite at restaurants and dinner tables alike. The rich, velvety tomato-butter gravy has paneer pieces dunked in it, making for an irresistible dish!

This detailed recipe will guide you to make restaurant-worthy paneer butter masala right at home.

Ingredients You Will Need

To serve 4 people, you will need:

For the Paneer:

• 250g paneer, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 3 medium tomatoes, blended into puree
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 2 green chilies
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1⁄4 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup cream
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

That covers all the ingredients needed to recreate the magic of paneer butter masala. Let’s start cooking!

Step-by-Step Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Prepping the Paneer

1. Pat dry the paneer cubes with kitchen towel.
2. Mix together corn flour, garam masala powder and salt. Coat the paneer cubes in this mix on all sides.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Fry seasoned paneer cubes on medium heat till golden brown on all sides.
4. Remove fried paneer cubes onto kitchen paper towel. Set aside.

Making the Onion-Tomato Gravy

1. Heat 2 tbsp butter in the same pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
2. Add chopped onion and saute till they turn light golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry for 30 seconds.
4. Pour the prepared tomato puree. Simmer for 8-10 minutes till oil starts leaving the masala.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder and coriander powder. Fry for 1 minute.
6. Add 1 cup water and boiled till gravy thickens. Turn off heat.
7. Let the masala cool slightly. Later transfer to a blender and blend till smooth.
8. Strain the gravy back into the pan using a wire mesh strainer.

Finishing the Paneer Butter Masala

1. To the fine gravy, add fried paneer cubes, garam masala and salt.
2. Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Finish with butter and fresh cream. Stir continuously on low flame for 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Your restaurant-style paneer butter masala is ready to relish!

Tips and Variations

• Use full fat milk paneer for best taste and texture.
• Replace green chilies with crushed black pepper for less heat.
• Add a dash of kewra water or rose water for exotic aroma.
• For spicy gravy, add a slit green chili before serving.
• Substitute butter with oil or ghee for Jain version.
• For richness, drizzle some khoya along with cream.
• Garnish with a dollop of garlic or paneer butter on top.
• Stir in some crushed kasuri methi leaves for added flavor.

Customize paneer butter masala to your preference with these simple tweaks. The basic recipe works well with vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli or baby corn too.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer butter masala tastes amazing with:

• Hot Jeera Rice or Peas Pulao
• Butter or Garlic Naan
• Laccha Paratha or Kulcha
• Fried Green Chilies and Onion
• Raita or Phulka
• Vermicelli Upma or Poha as a light pairing

This curry is rich, so balance the meal with something simple by the side. Accompany with salad and papad for a wholesome experience.

Storage and Reheating

Prepared paneer butter masala gravy keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days in an airtight container. For longer shelf life, consider these steps:

To freeze:

• Let the gravy cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe box.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat:

• Defrost the frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight.
• Transfer to a pan and reheat on medium low flame with 1-2 tbsp of water.
• Add the fried paneer pieces just before serving.

For best taste and texture, consume paneer butter masala within 2 days of preparation.

The Origins

The origins of paneer butter masala can be traced back to Indian restaurant kitchens in the 1950s. Creative chefs experimented with combining paneer pieces in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy.

This innovative dish quickly became popular with Indian and foreign patrons craving flavorful vegetarian fare. To meet the demand, variations of paneer butter masala or “Paneer Makhani” made their way to restaurant menus across India.

Years later, it remains a staple at eateries and households for its irresistible taste, texture and versatility. Traditional Indian spices blended with fragrant kasoori methi, smooth tomato puree and butter create sheer magic!

From roadside dhabas to 5-star menus, paneer butter masala continues to be relished across palates. Its popularity has now spread globally too.

Why Make It at Home?

Making paneer butter masala at home has many advantages:

• Control ingredients – Use top quality paneer and real butter
• Customize taste – Cater to individual spice preferences
• Hygienic – Avoid risks of unknown oil used in restaurants
• Budget friendly – Much lower cost than restaurant rates
• Creative liberty – Try experimental twists and tweaks
• Versatile – Make mild gravy for kids or extra spicy for adults
• Convenient – Ready sauce available for quick weekday meals

With this easy recipe, you can quickly whip up delicious paneer butter masala anytime with fresh, quality ingredients.

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly made paneer for soft texture
• Fry paneer in corn flour coating for crispness
• Cook onion till golden brown to avoid raw taste
• Simmer tomato puree well till fat separates
• Finish with butter and cream when serving
• Adjust spices according to individual preference
• Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately

Getting the basics right ensures your homemade paneer butter masala turns out perfect every time!

Conclusion

Paneer butter masala is an exotic gravy dish that will impress family and guests alike with minimal effort. This detailed recipe guides you to master the techniques for fool-proof restaurant quality results.

With a vibrant base of tomatoes and onion blended with signature Indian spices, it makes for irresistible fare. The cubes of fried paneer dunked in aromatic, velvety gravy take it over the top.

Prepare it on weekends to enjoy during busy weeknights. Customize it to your taste and preference once you have the basic recipe down pat.

So break out your skillet and conjure up the iconic flavors of India with this timeless paneer butter masala dish. Happy cooking!